“The American Dream”: Jean-Pascal Zadi and Raphaël Quenard Reflect on Friendship and NBA Success
The upcoming film, The American Dream, set to release on February 18, 2026, chronicles the remarkable journey of Bouna Ndiaye and Jérémy Medjana, two French sports agents who rose to prominence in the NBA. Starring Jean-Pascal Zadi and Raphaël Quenard, the film, directed by Anthony Marciano, is not simply a basketball story, but a testament to friendship and perseverance.
From Humble Beginnings to NBA Representation
The story begins in the early 2000s, where Bouna and Jérémy first connected over their shared passion for basketball. While Jérémy worked at a video club in Amiens and Bouna worked as a cleaning technician at Orly airport, they shared a dream of conquering the NBA. Despite lacking connections, financial resources, and strong English skills, they embarked on a path that would eventually lead them to represent NBA stars like Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier, and Victor Wembanyama.ArchySport
A Sixth Collaboration for Zadi and Quenard
Jean-Pascal Zadi and Raphaël Quenard, who have previously collaborated on projects like Smoking makes you cough, Why are you smiling? and I Love Peru, bring their established chemistry to the roles of Bouna and Jérémy. ArchySport Their on-screen dynamic reflects the strong bond between the real-life agents, which director Anthony Marciano discovered during his research. Marciano noted that the key to their success was an unwavering friendship. La Depeche
Beyond Basketball: A Universal Story
Marciano emphasizes that The American Dream transcends the sport of basketball. La Depeche It’s a story about ambition, friendship, and achieving the seemingly impossible. The film aims to resonate with audiences regardless of their familiarity with the NBA, focusing on the human element of pursuing a dream. La Depeche
A Glimpse into the Actors’ Personal Lives
During an appearance on the French talk show C to you on February 16, 2026, Zadi and Quenard playfully revealed details about each other’s personal lives. When asked about Quenard’s celebrity crush, Zadi jokingly described his infatuation with actress Sydney Sweeney, recounting a message Quenard sent her during English lessons. Franceinfo
The American Dream is expected to offer audiences an inspiring look behind the scenes of the high-stakes world of professional sports and the enduring power of friendship.